In the panorama of traditional forging techniques, damascus has always represented a great challenge for those who tried to make it; so much so that throughout the centuries it has had alternating periods of decline and rebirth which were sometimes caused by these very difficulties in producing it. Damascus forging techniques, which are connected to a level of skill obtainable only through long and patient practice, have witnessed a rebirth of great quality in good part owing to bold experimentation. This is a practical manual with an introduction covering ancient damascus production techniques. In simple languag and with over 350 full color photos the book covers a great number of techniques fo obtaining many different kinds of damascus. English/Italian

The restoration of wrought iron is discussed and ironwork examples are organized in Decorative Ironwork according to their uses. These include gratings that protect doors and windows, entries and gates from Europe in the Middle Ages, artistic creations of the 17th and 18th centuries, and works of our own day.

The information contained in Decorative Ironwork - some aspect of design and technique is aimed at the specialist ironworker and will assist students to gain a better understanding of their craft. Though working drawings of each grille have been produced, the grilles should not be regarded simply as catalogue designs, but rather as examples to be studied one in conjunction with another. The examples have been called 'grilles' for convience and not because the repeating designs employed are suitable for the making of grilles only, or to suggest that the decorative features must necessarily fill any given framework. In fact the techniques dealt with in this book can be applied over the whole field of decorative ironwork.

Everything that is made is the result of design. Whether whittling a tent stake or planning a cathedral, artists face questions of size, materials, and shape. In every case, some choices are better than others, and in special cases, the decisions are so very good that they result in objects and images that take our breath away. In this unique volume, author and designer Tim McCreight has collected sixty words that show up frequently when we discuss the objects and artifacts in our world. Georgeous objects and images are shown along with commentary on the concepts of design. The premise of the Interpretive Edition, made plain in words and pictures, is that the process of design is not reserved for art students, but is a part of the experience of being human.

Here is the greatest assembly of hand tools ever assembled. It is a fascinating chronicle of nearly every tool ever used in North America, including ancient tools used by Native Americans; Trade tools used to create coaches, pianos, ships, and saddles; tools for harvesting farm goods, turpentine, and ice; and tools for fine bookbinding and watch repair.The tools are organized according to profession, from Beekeeper to Wheelwright, and will fascinate today's practitioners of these trades and hobbies.

Filled with the techniques and inspirations to help artists find the answers they need for creating direct metal sculpture. Essential for all those interested in metal sculpture: artist-blacksmiths, collectors, curators and designers.

Early American Wrought Iron is a celebration of the village blacksmith revealing the master craftsman in all his glory, his technical skills, and artistry, and illuminating his crucial role in the development of American culture. It is a giant essential resource for both blacksmiths and architects. Sonn, an excellent draftsman and commercial artist, dismayed that so many pieces of early American wrought iron were discarded, began to compile a collection of his own detailed drawings of early American wrought iron. His search through museums, antique shops, private houses, and collections uncovered many fine examples of ironwork.They are illustrated here in 640 plates containing over 3,000 drawings. Sonn spent eight and one half years traveling along the East coast sketching and doing research for this classic work.

This book will be treasured by all who share a fascination for logging as it was done by the lumberjack, bucker, and high climber. The photos display the wide array of equipment once used to log high timber that is now eminently collectible, including axes, saws, filing tools, springboards, oil bottles, under cutters, wedges, marlin spikes, drag saws, and venerable chainsaws. Historical photos display towering giants of old growth forest where loggers toiled decades ago.